Study programme accreditation shifts the focus away from “input” evaluation to evaluation of quality outcomes, namely “output” and, in particular, to achieving objectives and learning outcomes.

Accreditation is a pre-defined, reliable and useful process. Therefore it should be implemented consistently and published. It includes the following steps:

• Study programme accreditation proposal to be submitted by the institution
• Study programme external evaluation carried out by a panel of independent experts, which usually includes a site visit to the institution
• Submission to the HAHE of the accreditation report resulting from the Study Program accreditation process
• Publishing the accreditation decision of the HAHE
• Consistent follow-up of the Study Program operation by the IQAS (QAU)

The accreditation process makes sure that the study programme offered by the University of Crete meets all quality standards of the HAHE and the institution, and that the performance and skills of the students graduating from this specific course (learning outcomes) are consistent with the intended professional qualifications that are required by society and the labour market. Furthermore, it is certified that the study programme meets minimum quality criteria, as laid down in EHEA.